Forrest J Ackerman (November 24, 1916 – December 4, 2008) was an American collector of science fiction books and movie memorabilia and a science fiction fan. Ackerman, known as "Forry" or "The Ackermonster" or "4e" or "4SJ", was influential in the formation, organization, and spread of science fiction fandom in its early years, and served as a key figure in the wider cultural perception of science fiction as a literary, art and film genre. Famous for his word play, he helped coin and/or popularize the phrase Sci-Fi.
Ackerman is remembered as the editor-writer of the magazine Famous Monsters of Filmland, as well as for being an occasional author, actor, producer (Vampirella), and literary agent. He was also among the first and most outspoken advocates of Esperanto in the science fiction community. He was married to Wendayne (Wendy) Wahrman (1912–1990) until her death.
